Bilingualism Goes Beyond Language Acquisition at French American School of Princeton

Bilingualism is a multifaceted educational experience that extends far beyond the mere acquisition of another language. “Learning to speak and understand French is the easy part,” says Corinne Güngör, Head of School at French American School of Princeton (FASP). “Our students study, learn, think, read, and live in a minimum of two languages and diverse cultures. Bilingual education at FASP provides a transformative experience that shapes young minds, fosters cultural awareness, and nurtures global citizens.”

Bilingualism at French American School of Princeton

FASP is a preschool through Eighth Grade independent coeducational school in Princeton, NJ. FASP was founded in 2000 to provide students with a holistic bilingual education that combines the excellence of, and accreditation in, both the American and French educational systems. Its establishment reflects the growing recognition of the importance of bilingualism in the globalized world and the need to cultivate students who are not just proficient in languages but also culturally sensitive.

Language proficiency is at the core of bilingualism at FASP, although it is not the only goal upon graduation. Students are immersed in both French and English, enabling them to develop strong skills in both languages. This linguistic competency extends beyond communication; it provides them with the ability to think critically, solve problems, and express themselves fluently in two different languages.

“When FASP students study in two languages, they learn to process and problem solve in new and exciting ways,” said Güngör. “For instance, FASP students study math and science in both English and French and are exposed to a variety of teaching methodologies. This enables them to approach problems in more creative ways then their monolingual peers,” continued Güngör.

Benefits of Bilingualism

Bilingualism offers significant cognitive benefits, particularly during a child's formative years. Research has shown that bilingual individuals tend to exhibit better problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, and improved multitasking abilities. At FASP these cognitive advantages are nurtured from an early age and begin with French immersion in Preschool.

To refer, explain, or describe any concept or object, bilingual students are able to choose from more than one word and more than one language. This leads them to view the world with greater complexity and more creativity. Depending on the language they are using, students need to constantly select which word or concept to use and which ones to ignore. This recurring mental gymnastics produces more gray matter in the region of the brain called the inferior parietal cortex that is home to learning and memory skills. More gray matter means better focus and increased memory.

Bilingual students typically also excel at managing distractions and are more on task and perform better in educational settings. This capacity to suppress a word or thought in one language teaches the bilingual brain to deal with conflicting demands. This is why bilingual people are better at prioritizing and switching tasks.

Bilingualism also appears to have long-term advantages as we age by delaying the effects of Alzheimer's and other dementia diseases.

Cultural Awareness

Bilingualism is not just about learning languages; it's about understanding cultures. In the multicultural environment of FASP, students are exposed to the rich tapestry not only of French and American traditions, customs, and history, but also the cultural diversity from families representing over 30 countries and more than 20 languages spoken. This exposure fosters cultural awareness, tolerance, and a global perspective.

Enhanced Self-Confidence

Bilingualism instills a sense of self-confidence in students. Being able to navigate two linguistic and cultural contexts empowers FASP students to be more adaptable and open-minded individuals. This self-assuredness is a valuable asset that extends far beyond the school years.

The Impact of Bilingualism on Academic Achievement

Research has consistently shown that bilingual students tend to perform better academically. At FASP, where students are taught in two languages, this advantage is apparent. Students gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and consistently score higher on standardized tests, even on subjects unrelated to languages, like math and science.

Bilingualism Opens Doors to the Future

Bilingualism opens doors to a wide range of future opportunities. FASP graduates are well-prepared for secondary education both in the United States and abroad. They have the linguistic and cultural competence required to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world and attend many prestigious high schools in the American public system as well as private schools.

Parental Involvement and Support

Bilingualism is a journey and requires family support. FASP families come from a variety of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. “What our families share in common is a commitment to bilingual education in support of our students,” said Güngör. “Our student body is made up of a wide mix of families - students from American families who speak only English when they join the school to students who are learning both French and English and speak a third or fourth language at home, to students who are fluent in French and are learning English,” said Güngör.  “As a small school, we are able to provide the educational supports needed to our students to ensure they are successful,” said Güngör.

The school fosters a sense of community among parents, encouraging them to connect and collaborate. This network of parents with shared values and goals strengthens the bilingual experience for both students and families. FASP families are actively engaged in school life through a lively Parents Association and a variety of other volunteer committees ensuring that the students are exposed to the rich cultural diversity of the FASP community.

Building a Bilingual Community

FASP faculty and staff also play a critical role in students’ bilingual journeys. Each faculty member is fluent in the language in which they teach, and most hold advanced degrees. Faculty members come to teach at FASP from a variety of different countries. The low student-to-teacher ratio ensures that each student is seen as an individual and has the support and challenges necessary for their success, academically and emotionally.

Bilingualism at FASP transcends the mere acquisition of language. It is a transformative journey that shapes young minds, fosters cultural awareness, and prepares students to be global citizens. The school provides a unique educational environment where language proficiency, cognitive benefits, cultural awareness, and identity formation are intertwined. As students graduate from FASP, they carry with them the invaluable gift of bilingualism, enabling them to navigate a diverse and interconnected world with confidence and competence. Bilingualism at FASP is not just about acquiring another language; it is about acquiring a world of possibilities and opportunities.

###

If you would like more information about French American School of Princeton, please call 609-430-3001, or email admissions@ecoleprinceton.org.